Best Waterproof Cycling Backpack: Top 9 For Commuters

Introducing the URBAN EX 2.0 20L Backpack from Chrome Industries, an excellent companion for urban cyclists seeking both style and functionality.

Thoughtfully designed with the needs of a modern cyclist in mind, this sleek roll-top isn’t just a pretty face. It’s constructed from rugged materials, such as a welded waterproof construction and PU-coated zippers that will keep your possessions dry in a downpour.

It’s also got exceptional attention to detail when it comes to the storage solutions inside. It features multiple compartments in the interior for organisation, as well as a neat external space (with reflectors for visibility!) for your D-lock.

With a mesh-covered back panel for ventilation, you won’t arrive at your destination covered in sweat either.

Safe, stylish and ergonomic; it’s an excellent choice for a waterproof cycling backpack for commuters.

Introducing the Ortlieb Velocity 23L Backpack, a waterproof backpack that’s a great marriage of form and function.

With its generous 23L capacity, the Ortlieb Velocity is designed to accompany you on both daily commutes and longer journeys, providing ample space for your essentials without compromising on style. It even comes in 17L and 29L models. We especially like the 17L; a great option if you just need to take a few documents or a small laptop to work and back.

The backpack features a robust PVC-coated polyester fabric, which not only resists daily wear and tear but also ensures exceptional water resistance. Rain, splashes, or accidental spills are no match for this backpacks waterproof construction and roll-top closure system.

But it isn’t just waterproof, it’s comfortable too. The padded shoulder straps distribute the weight evenly across your shoulders, minimizing strain and allowing for a more comfortable and enjoyable journey. The removable waist strap is also a nice touch if you don’t always need the support.

It’s a well designed, well tested backpack with a timeless aesthetic. And, if that isn’t enough to convince you, maybe the solid guarantee on the velcro closure will.

The Eclipse from Ettore is a simplistic, well designed waterproof backpack and is a great choice for commuters who don’t want to spend an arm and a leg on something to keep their things dry.

Aesthetically, the all-black backpack is inoffensive and discreet. With just an elasticated net and side netting on the outside, as well as a useful handle on top, it’s certainly not trying to reinvent the wheel when it comes to looks.

And nor does it need to. It does it’s job extremely well without too many extra thrills. It’s made predominantly of a heavy-duty Tarpaulin, a material renowned for its waterproofing properties. It’s also got waterproof zippers, as well as heat sealed seams.

It’s definitely one of the bigger bags, so it’s not just good for commuting, but it would definitely be a reasonable choice for bikepacking on a short trip. It’s got more than enough space at 30L for your everyday needs, and a bit more just in case you need it.

The internal compartment has a smaller pocket for your accessories, such as your phone and keys, and not much else.

It’s a great value, simple dry-bag that serves as a waterproof backpack, and not much else.

The Timbuk2 Spire Laptop 2.0 Backpack is the pinnacle of sophistication, practicality, and elegance when it comes to waterproof backpacks. But, it’s not just beautiful, it’s rugged as well.

When it comes to protecting your precious devices, this backpack leaves no stone unturned. Equipped with a dedicated padded compartment for laptops up to 15″ and a water-resistant fabric that safeguards your valuable electronics from unexpected weather conditions, providing peace of mind no matter the forecast.

It’s a particularly great choice for interns and students, who’ll not just appreciate the tidy internal and external organisation, but also the integrated bottle opener, which is really a nice touch.

The compartmentalisation of the bag is phenomenal. The outer pocket is especially noteworthy for quick-to-reach items, such as keys, a pen or your phone.

Whilst it doesn’t boast the waterproofing capabilities of some of the other bags, its water resistant Nylon outer will be fine in every situation other than a heavy downpour. It’s comfortable, breathable, water-resistant, and oh-so stylish.

By far the classiest backpack on this list, the Rapha Travel Backpack is a masterclass in subtly, modesty and refinement. With it’s very simply branding, it’s a nod to the cycling culture in which Rapha has become such a staple name.

Crafted from a high quality nylon exterior and waterproof zippers, your belongings will be safe and sound inside. And comfortable as well, because the backpack comes with loads of padding on the interior, meaning your laptop will be well out of harm’s way.

Beyond it’s waterproofing, it boasts a number of thoughtful features. The spacious main compartment is easily big enough for a short trip away, fitting a change of clothes and toiletries with no issues.

It’s also got a range of interior pockets to organise, as well as a low-key quick-access pocket on the outside for essentials.

It’s a popular bag no doubt about it, and, whilst not the cheapest on this list, is a great investment for those who’re looking for a top quality waterproof bag that serves for the cycle to work as well as any overnight trips.

The OSPREY Arcane Roll Top 25 – Daypack delivers in style and performance. Well, what would you expect from the titans of the backpacking industry?

It’s no surprise that when it comes to durable backpacks, Osprey are still dominating worldwide. The brand name at this point practically speaks for itself. The arcane RT 25 is no exception. It’s got remarkable waterproof features and is constructed from premium sustainably sourced materials.

It’s roll-top closure adds another layer of protection, preventing you (or at least what’s inside your bag!) from even the most torrential storms.

The range from Osprey is designed with ‘subtle functionality’ in mind, and it’s an excellent bag for those who want a bag that quite frankly they don’t have to think about. It’s also well ventilated and has great support.

It comes in a small range of nice colours, the ‘pine leaf green’ being a particularly cool option.

As is almost always the case, if you want a good product, you’ll have to pay the price. But, for anyone familiar with Osprey, you’ll know that it’s a price worth paying.

The nimble 18L Paramount Backpack is a (nearly) pocket size water resistant backpack that’s extremely convenient.

It’s got a great dedicated phone pocket concealed next to your back, meaning you can keep your pockets free when you’re pedalling. It’s also got a floating laptop sleeve that sits comfortably on your back whilst your riding, meaning you won’t feel it sag or being thrown around when you’re on two wheels.

You can unzip the side pockets and drastically increase the capacity, meaning it can be a relatively big backpack when you want it to be. Commuter by weekday, overnighter by weekend.

The brightly coloured interior also helps you to see your things inside, so it doesn’t have the ‘black hole’ effect that you unfortunately get with so many other cyclists’ backpacks.

The Nylon construction and roll-top also mean that you’ve a fairly water resistant product that’s absolutely enough for most conditions.

The next on our list is the Elops Cycling Backpack Speed 520 from Decathlon. A simple yet efficient backpack made with cyclists’ needs in mind.

It’s waterproof for up to 60 L/sqm/h, which Decathlon describes as ‘heavy rain’.

Undoubtedly it’s most interesting features are on the outside. The ‘yellow sunflower’ is a great colour option for those looking for a backpack which isn’t black.

The colour, as well as the built-in reflective straps, also really help with visibility when it comes to riding on the road in the dark. Even we have to admit that safety probably comes before aesthetics here.

Whilst the material is a little ‘sticky’ for loss of a better term, there is a good amount of padding, support and ventilation on the straps and back to stop it from being too uncomfortable when you’re in the saddle.

It’s an affordable backpack which is waterproof, reasonably comfortable, and has a fair amount of storage versatility on the inside.

The Camelbak M.U.L.E.® Commute 22 Backpack boasts a plethora of characteristics and features that make it a standout choice for the modern commuter.

Whilst it’s only 22L, it’s deceptively big inside, and can easily store your daily essentials (and more!).

It’s got a seam-sealed construction, reinforced zipper and a waterproof fabric (not specified) which form an almost impenetrable shield against rain.

Not only is there water resistance on the outside, but the laptop sleeve is completely weatherproof, giving you peace of mind that should there be a leak, your most precious valuables will be safe.

It features a trademarked Air Support® back panel with body mapping technology, meaning that the warmest parts of your bag get the most attention when it comes to ventilation.

An excellent option for the commuter who wants to make certain that their laptop is safe and secure inside.